Head of Advocacy

Head of Advocacy 

Salary: £41,940 per annum (£52,425 FTE)
Hours: 28 hours per week (0.8 FTE / four days)
Location: Finsbury Park, London (hybrid working, three office days per week)
Contract: Start as soon as practicable
Closing date: Monday 16 November 2026, 9am

Challenge injustice. Influence policy. Drive change.

BID is seeking an experienced, astute and strategic Head of Advocacy to lead our policy, research and influencing work and help drive lasting change in the UK's immigration detention system.

BID is an independent human rights charity providing free legal advice, support and representation to people held in immigration detention. Through our frontline legal work, research and advocacy, we challenge injustice, defend the right to liberty and work towards an end to immigration detention.

This is an exciting opportunity to join BID at a pivotal moment as we deliver our ambitious 2026–2031 strategy.

As Head of Advocacy, you will lead our policy and advocacy strategy, turning frontline legal evidence, research and lived experience into compelling policy recommendations and effective influencing. You will build relationships with government, parliamentarians, policymakers and sector partners, identify opportunities for systemic change and ensure BID's expertise shapes the decisions that matter.

As a member of our three-person senior leadership team, you will contribute to BID's organisational direction and lead a multidisciplinary team spanning policy, research, communications and participation.

About you

We are looking for someone with:

• Significant experience in policy development, advocacy or influencing, with a track record of achieving change.

• Strong political awareness, strategic judgement and an understanding of how to influence government and institutional decision-making.

• Experience using research and evidence to develop persuasive policy positions.

• Excellent relationship-building, communication and leadership skills.

• Experience managing staff and coordinating multidisciplinary work.

• A strong commitment to human rights, social justice and BID's mission.

You may come from a policy, advocacy, legal or human rights background. Previous experience in immigration detention is not essential, and you do not need to be a specialist in campaigning or communications.

We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of immigration detention or the immigration system. We recognise lived experience as a valuable form of expertise and are committed to inclusive and anti-racist practice.

Why join BID?

You'll have the opportunity to shape advocacy at a respected human rights charity, work alongside committed legal and policy specialists, and make a meaningful contribution to protecting fundamental rights and achieving systemic change.

How to apply

For full details of the role, person specification and application process, please read the accompanying recruitment information pack.